Massachusetts

Massachusetts Home Inspector

Homeowners and potential homeowners would be remiss not to consider having a home inspection done by a certified Massachusetts home inspector as the individual hired to perform a home inspection can help families to save thousands of dollars in the long-run.

The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors, (a division of the Professional Licensure of Boston), was formed to establish rules and regulations, insure integrity of trade members, and evaluate qualifications of all applicants before approving certification. Before awarding certification, Massachusetts Law states that every applicant must have five years of home inspection experience, and must be compensated for no less than 1,000 home inspections. The board also requires all certified home inspectors to carry a minimum of $250,000 worth of insurance.

A home inspection can take anywhere from 2-4 hours and the cost of the service generally ranges from $200 - $500. The home inspector performs a visual inspection of the structure from the roof to the foundation and provides a detailed written report. The home inspector will carefully evaluate the overall condition of the home. Further, home inspections can include roofs, windows, exterior wood & wood rot, water heaters, air conditioning systems, insulation, decking, doors, sink faucets, bathrooms, and all plumbing and electrical systems. Additionally, a trained home inspector will look for signs of radon gas, toxic mold and insulation, and lead paint. The home inspector, however, is not responsible for code compliance and offers no guarantee.

There are a variety of online resources for consumers looking for a home inspector. The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Home Inspections, Inc. offers a list of certified home inspectors for both buyers and sellers.

A home inspection is a paid service and homeowners should not fear asking questions or deny the opportunity to be present during the procedure. Any reputable home inspector will be happy to explain any and all findings. Opting to buy a house without a home inspection would be like buying a car without taking it for a test drive. A dream home can become a money pit without the advice of a professional home inspector.